How to Build a Bamboo Gate

Written by nathan mcginty

Share

Tweet

Share

Pin

Email

A bamboo gate makes an exotic addition to any yard or garden. (Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images)

Bamboo is a grass that grows wild in many parts of the world. Some species of bamboo can reach upwards of 15 feet and higher, while their trunks can be almost tree sized. Because of its versatile and sound nature, bamboo is used for construction projects across the planet. You can bring some of the exotic beauty of bamboo to your own corner of the globe by building a bamboo gate to fence off your garden or lawn.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

Other People Are Reading

Things you need

Bamboo

Hinges

Latch hardware

5 pieces of lumber (approx. 1/2 inch thick by 2 to 3 inches wide)

Hacksaw

Power drill with screwdriver bit

Screws

Show MoreHide

Instructions

1

Measure the distance between the two poles where you will be mounting the bamboo gate.

2

Construct a square out of lumber that fits the width of the gap. Leave a quarter of an inch on either side for spacing. So, for example, if your gap is 36 inches wide, you'll want to cut the width pieces of the square to 35 1/2 inches. You can use any type of scrap or new lumber, but keep it thin, below half an inch, so it can hold the bamboo. Add a crosspiece running from the bottom left of the square to the top right.

3

Cut down the pieces of bamboo you wish to use for the gate. You will need fairly thick pieces for the four sides of the gate, approximately 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches wide.

4

Cut the bamboo you need for the gate. You can run the bamboo either horizontally or vertically, but a vertically placed bamboo gate gives a nice, symmetrical effect. Measure the height of the gate and use this as a guide for cutting the bamboo with a hacksaw.

5

Place a piece of bamboo across the gate. Drill a screw through the bamboo and into the crossbar on one side of the gate. Then repeat the process on the opposite crossbar with the bottom part of the bamboo.

6

Continue placing the bamboo and securing it with screws until the gate is covered.

7

Mount the gate to the adjacent fence with hinges. Finish by attaching latch hardware.

Tips and warnings

If trying to drill through dry bamboo (brown or beige as opposed to green), drill a pilot hole with a drill first before screwing it in to help prevent cracking.

You can cover the bamboo with lacquer or varnish after installation to help protect it from the elements.